Al-Ittihad Club, one of the oldest and largest clubs in the Kingdom, announced a historic strategic step representing a qualitative leap forward in its journey, with the signing of an official agreement to proceed with the detailed design work for the “Al-Ittihad Sports Village” project. This ambitious project will set a new standard for sports facilities in the region and reflects the significant transformation taking place in the Saudi sports sector.
Project context within the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The launch of this massive project comes at a time when Saudi sports are experiencing an unprecedented boom, driven by the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and improve the quality of life. In 2023, major clubs, including Al-Ittihad, underwent a historic transformation with their ownership transfer to the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which injected enormous investments and provided the necessary resources to implement world-class infrastructure projects. The focus is no longer solely on attracting international stars, but has expanded to include building integrated sports facilities that ensure sustainability and long-term development, supporting the Kingdom's ambitions to host major global sporting events, most notably the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Partnership details and general plan
In a move that underscores the club's commitment to the highest international quality standards, the agreement was signed in the presence of the club's CEO, Mr. Dominicus Oliveira. Al-Ittihad Club Company, represented by the Director of Facilities and Infrastructure, Engineer Hassan Harsani, contracted the international firm Parsons to serve as the project management consultant, and FIA to be the lead designer. These firms were selected following a rigorous evaluation process and a design competition involving leading international firms, ensuring the adoption of the best and most innovative designs that comply with FIFA requirements and global best practices.
Project importance and expected impact
The project's master plan aims to create a comprehensive sports environment, encompassing the club's headquarters, state-of-the-art training facilities for the first team and youth teams, and advanced performance development and sports medicine centers. The project also includes administrative facilities and investment and commercial assets that will contribute to enhancing the club's financial sustainability. Locally, the project will provide an ideal environment for developing young talent and raising player performance levels, as well as improving the fan experience. Regionally and internationally, the "Al-Ittihad Sports Village" will solidify the club's position as a leading sporting force in Asia, making it an attractive destination for top global talent and confirming that Saudi clubs are now competing with their European counterparts not only on the field but also in the quality and integration of their infrastructure. The project's strategic location near King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah further enhances its appeal, creating a fully integrated sports hub in the city.
